Spectacle denied to viewers in UAE

As Victor Meldrew would say “I don’t believe it”. I actually managed to pick the winner of the Grand National last Saturday and, considering there were 40 to choose from, I believe my feat is even more noteworthy.

Unfortunately, despite being the most famous horse race in the world (albeit not the most valuable), race watchers were left in the dark as the prestigious event was not screened on any of the local TV channels here.

Other sports such as F1, football and golf can be seen widely across the country, and it’s a shame a spectacle like this was missing.

All was not lost however, as the race was indeed broadcast on a French TV channel, and while my French is probably not up to scratch (which is a little shameful considering I work for a Frenchman) I was not mistaken when the race commentator referred to the winning horse, Comply Or Die as being owned by the former champion flat-race owner, Robert Sangster, not once, but twice!

OK, I concede, the silks are very similar, but surely if you are going to call the biggest race in history, you would do your homework and check who actually pays the bills for the animal.

David Johnson is hardly unknown in the game, and bearing in mind he’s been champion jumps owner himself six times, makes the fluff even more amusing.

Lazy days

The equine action each morning at Nad Al Sheba has come to an abrupt halt and Erwan Charpy is the only handler still keeping his charges ticking over on the track.

Without the luxury of grass paddocks to enjoy a rest in, not to mention the soaring temperatures, the local equine fraternity are confined to their stables during the long hot summer, which is a real shame considering there are so many races to be won elsewhere in the world through the seven-month sabbatical.

The season here goes by so quickly and trainers often run their charges when perhaps they don’t really want to, but have no option because races suddenly become limited as the campaign draws to a close.

I know it can be difficult when you have owners to consider, but races aren’t won by standing in the stable. If a horse is fit and well, why not run it abroad.


Singapore star

Star Crowned, third in the Golden Shaheen on World Cup night, will shortly board a flight to compete in the International Sprint in Singapore before heading for some of the big speed events during the summer in England.

The top Emirati jockey, Ahmad Ajtebi, is also on the move and will once again be based at Clive Brittain’s Carlburg Stables in Newmarket for the next few months. Having improved his riding technique during the winter, more success looks sure to come his way.